binding

1 of 3

noun

bind·​ing ˈbīn-diŋ 

1

: the action of one that binds

2

: a material or device used to bind: such as

a

: the cover and materials that hold a book together

b

: a narrow fabric used to finish raw edges

c

: a device that holds a boot firmly to a ski or snowboard

binding

2 of 3

adjective

1

: that binds

2

: imposing an obligation

bindingly

ˈbīn-diŋ-lē 

adverb

bindingness noun

binding

3 of 3

present participle of bind entry 1

Examples of binding in a Sentence

Noun

a carpet edged with canvas binding

The bindings have started to come loose.

Adjective

The contract is legally binding.

The parties agreed to settle the dispute through binding arbitration.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Adaptyv Bio, in Lausanne, received all 1,320 designs, built each one in a cell-free chemical system, and read the binding on an optical sensor across five concentrations. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

The military ledger is where the binding may be the tightest. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Under the non-binding agreement, the companies plan to establish a 50-50 joint venture and initially develop recycling facilities for neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) and samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnets and magnet scrap. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026

In October 2025, its Committee on Safety and Security at Sports Events issued a non-binding recommendation to its member states on the use of collective bans of away supporters. — Matt Slater, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing binding

• adhesive binding
• binding energy
• binding site
• perfect binding
• spiral binding

Rhymes for binding

• blinding
• finding
• grinding
• minding
• winding
• bookbinding
• factfinding
• nonbinding
• rebinding
• regrinding
• reminding
• rewinding

Kids Definition

binding

noun

bind·​ing

ˈbīn-diŋ

1

: the cover and fastenings of a book

2

: a narrow strip of fabric used along the edge of an article of clothing

Legal Definition

binding

adjective

1

: imposing a legal obligation

the agreement is binding on the parties

2

: requiring submission to a specified authority

the suppression order was binding on the Department of Transportation

—National Law Journal